Comelec orders Pasay mayoral candidate to explain derogatory remarks about foreign students

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued another show cause order to Pasay City mayoral candidate Editha Manguerra for making derogatory remarks about foreign students during a campaign event.

Manguerra allegedly made discriminatory comments, promising to remove 'bumbays' from the city to eliminate lingering smells of onions at Pasay General Hospital.

The Comelec cited possible violations of the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines under Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which prohibits racial discrimination during elections, and ordered Manguerra to respond within three days or face potential disqualification.

Task Force SAFE, part of the Comelec's efforts to safeguard against fear and exclusion in elections, has issued a show cause order (SCO) for Manguerra, giving her three days to explain why she should not be disqualified from the upcoming elections.

This incident highlights a series of actions taken by the Comelec against candidates making controversial statements during campaign rallies, raising questions about the extent of the election body’s authority to regulate political discourse.